LeBron James Honours Vince Carter As Raptors Retire Iconic No. 15 Jersey
King Acknowledges Greatness
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James took to social media to pay his respects as the Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter's iconic No. 15 jersey on Monday night.
"Congrats to my big brother Vince Carter on getting his jersey retired by the Toronto Raptors," James wrote in an Instagram post. "It was an honor to share the court with you and witness your greatness firsthand. You're a true legend of the game, and I'm proud to call you a friend."
Carter played for the Raptors from 1998 to 2004 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in franchise history. He was an eight-time All-Star and was named to the NBA's All-NBA Second Team three times.
"Thank you to the Toronto Raptors for giving me the opportunity to play in this great city," Carter said during the ceremony. "This is a special moment for me and my family. I'm truly grateful for all the support I've received over the years."
Legacy of a Legend
Carter's jersey retirement is a testament to his impact on the Raptors franchise and the city of Toronto. He was a key member of the team's first-ever playoff series win in 2000 and helped lead the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019.
"Vince Carter is a true icon in the NBA," Raptors president Masai Ujiri said. "He's a player who transcended the game and inspired a generation of basketball fans. We're honored to have his jersey hanging in the rafters of Scotiabank Arena."
Carter's retirement ceremony was a star-studded event, with the likes of Chris Bosh, Tracy McGrady, and Allen Iverson in attendance. It was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in NBA history.